What Are Armenian Apostolic End-of-Life Traditions?
By CRYSTAL BAI •
The short answer: Armenian Apostolic end-of-life traditions include the Hokejash (requiem meal), prayers for the soul's journey, parish community support, and mourning periods observed at 3 days, 7 days, 40 days, and one year after death — all rooted in the Armenian Apostolic Church, one of the world's oldest Christian churches.
Armenian Apostolic End-of-Life Traditions
The Armenian Apostolic Church — founded in 301 AD, making it one of the oldest Christian churches in the world — shapes profound end-of-life customs for Armenian families worldwide. Armenian communities in Los Angeles, Glendale, Fresno, Boston, and New York carry these traditions with deep reverence.
Beliefs About Death
Armenian Apostolic Christianity holds that death is a transition, not an ending. The soul faces judgment and will ultimately be resurrected at the Second Coming of Christ. Prayer, liturgy, and community support are essential for guiding the soul and comforting the living. The body is treated with great respect as the temple of the Holy Spirit.
The Dying Process
When death approaches, the Armenian Apostolic priest (Der Hayr) is called to administer last rites — the Anointing of the Sick and Holy Communion. The community gathers. Prayers from the Armenian liturgy, particularly the Sharagan (hymns) and Der Voghormya (Lord Have Mercy), are recited. The dying person is encouraged to make their peace, confess sins, and receive communion.
The Funeral and Burial
The funeral service (matagh or hokejash) is held at the Armenian Apostolic church. The open casket is typical, and community members file past to pay respects. Burial is strongly preferred over cremation in traditional practice, though this is evolving among younger generations. Burials are often in Armenian sections of cemeteries, and graveside blessings are performed by the priest.
Mourning Periods and Memorial Services
Armenian Apostolic tradition observes specific memorial moments:
- 3rd day: Memorial prayer recalling Christ's resurrection on the third day
- 7th day: Another memorial gathering with prayer and the Hokejash meal
- 40th day: Most important milestone — the soul is believed to complete its journey. A church service and community meal are held.
- 1-year anniversary: The end of formal mourning, marked by a church service and meal
- Annual remembrance: Many families observe death anniversaries indefinitely
The Hokejash (Soul Feast)
The Hokejash is a memorial meal held on the 7th day, 40th day, and anniversary. Families prepare traditional Armenian foods and share them with community members after a church memorial service. Food given in memory of the deceased generates spiritual merit (known as matagh). Pilaf, lamb, and traditional sweets are commonly served.
Cultural Sensitivities for Caregivers
Many older Armenian survivors carry intergenerational trauma from the Armenian Genocide (1915). End-of-life conversations may trigger deep historical grief. Clergy involvement is essential and should never be treated as optional. Family decision-making is collective — no single family member makes decisions unilaterally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hokejash in Armenian tradition?
The Hokejash (soul feast) is a memorial meal held on the 7th day, 40th day, and anniversary of a death. Family and friends gather after a church memorial service to share traditional Armenian foods in memory of the deceased. The meal generates spiritual merit for the departed soul.
Do Armenian Apostolic Christians get cremated?
Traditional Armenian Apostolic practice strongly prefers burial over cremation, reflecting belief in bodily resurrection. However, cremation is becoming more accepted among Armenian Americans, particularly younger generations. Families should consult with their Der Hayr (priest) for guidance aligned with their faith.
What happens on the 40th day in Armenian mourning tradition?
The 40th day is the most important milestone in Armenian Apostolic mourning — the soul is believed to complete its journey and the formal mourning period intensifies around this date. A church memorial service (makarats) and Hokejash meal are held, often drawing the full community.
How does the Armenian Genocide affect end-of-life experiences for Armenians?
Many Armenians and their descendants carry intergenerational trauma from the Genocide. For older Armenians, the dying process and discussions of death may trigger deep historical grief about ancestors who were lost without proper burial or mourning. Culturally competent caregivers acknowledge this history with sensitivity.
What prayers are said at an Armenian Apostolic funeral?
Armenian Apostolic funerals include liturgical prayers in Classical Armenian (Grabar), hymns called Sharakans, the Der Voghormya (Lord Have Mercy chant), and prayers for the soul's journey and resurrection. The funeral is celebrated in the church with full liturgy.
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